Beaverdam Creek Battlefield

Hanover County has many sites associated with the Civil War. Most of the major battlefields can be found by following two driving trails established by Virginia's Civil War Trails program; the 1862 Peninsula Campaign and Lee vs. Grant 1864. Maps and information can be obtained by calling 1-888-CIVIL WAR or by visiting www.civilwartraveler.com. Beaverdam Creek Battlefield - On June 26, 1862, General Robert E. Lee initiated the Seven Days Campaign by crossing the Chickahominy River with a large portion of his army. That afternoon he struck the Federals who were located behind Beaver Dam Creek. Although Lee's army suffered five times the casualties of the Union army, the Federals abandoned their position during the night and retreated eastward toward Gaines' Mill. A walking trail encompasses both Union 7 Confederate positions.